OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 2009-- ConAgra Foods’ Parkay® brand has launched a new, free iPhone application that uses an innovative new voice-to-animation technology to bring the brand’s iconic “Talking Tub” to life. In the just-released application, voice recognition commands the Talking Tub to say “Parkaaaay” and “moo” when the user says words like “butter” or “milk.” The first-generation application is available for free at: http://tinyurl.com/ParkayApp.

Fans of the brand and nostalgia buffs alike will certainly recognize the famous connection between “butter” and “Parkaaaay” from television ads launched in the early 70s. The “moo” and “milk” banter refers to a recent television ad titled “Barn” which touts a new formulation of Parkay table spread made with real nonfat milk. In the ad, a farmer is startled to hear an unusual moo coming from inside his barn, and he discovers the Parkay Talking Tub in one of the stalls. The voiceover calls out that the new Parkay is made with milk “for a fresh and creamy taste.”

“This new iPhone application is a fun and quirky way for fans and consumers to interact and connect directly with the Parkay brand and the iconic Talking Tub,” said Jeff Muench, senior brand manager, ConAgra Foods. “There has always been a great deal of nostalgia and fanfare surrounding the Parkay Talking Tub, and we hope this new iPhone application helps reinvigorate the brand and gets people talking and laughing.”

Marketing firm Rawle Murdy spearheaded the project using voice-activation technology licensed from design firm Creaceed.

“The explosive popularity and adoption of new media provides a great opportunity for classic icons like Parkay to re-connect with consumers – and create a new generation of fans,” said Bruce Murdy, president, Rawle Murdy.

The Parkay Talking Tub was first used in television advertising in 1973. Over the years, the tub has appeared in advertising with celebrities such as Laurel and Hardy (1982), Deacon Jones (1983), William Daniels (1990-91), Crystal Bernard (1997) and Al Franken (1999).

About ConAgra Foods

ConAgra Foods, Inc., (NYSE: CAG) is one of North America’s leading food companies, with brands in 97 percent of America’s households. Consumers find Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Egg Beaters, Healthy Choice, Hebrew National, Hunt’s, Marie Callender’s, Orville Redenbacher’s, PAM, Peter Pan, Reddi-wip and many ConAgra Foods brands in grocery, convenience, mass merchandise and club stores. ConAgra Foods also has a strong business-to-business presence, supplying potato, other vegetable, spice and grain products to a variety of well-known restaurants, foodservice operators and commercial customers. For more information, please visit us at www.conagrafoods.com.

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Source: ConAgra Foods

ConAgra Foods
Jeff Mochal, Director
402-204-7825
jeff.mochal@conagrafoods.com